Bumper Sticker Idea:

Because freedom isn't free,
Tax Focus on the Family!

That felt good to write!

Don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge James Dobson expressing his opinion, even though I think his call for government enforced morality would send our founding fathers running for their muskets, and that his anti-gay rights crusade has tarnished the reputation of my hometown. He's entitled to his first amendment rights, and should speak out about the judicial nomination mess, and Terri Shiavo, if that's what his conscience dictates. I don't have to agree with him.

It's just that I drive by the Focus campus twice a day, and admire the tasteful, opulent brick buildings, and it rubs me just a little bit wrong, that those buildings were raised by the fruits of Dr. Dobson's ministry. Add that his political power comes not from the recently created political arm of Focus, but the year over year growth of his publishing and broadcasting enterprise. Heap on the fact that this business is tax free, so Focus makes no material contribution to my city. Then cap it with the police I see protecting their tax free property whenever Focus is protested, or managing traffic for the safety and convience of attendees at their periodic conferences.

So I get rubbed the wrong way by Focus. It's not a major thing. They are my neighbor, and I try to let little things slide in the interest of good relations.

And they aren't bad neighbors. Dr Dobson's advice has helped many parents and their families. My kids like their play area, and they have a really nice bookstore. Plus, they are a tourist draw, and Colorado Springs needs tourists. It's a big part of the local economy.

So my petty resentment is a personal failing, un-Christian, a sin I should expiate by going to a service or praying in a chapel.

But Focus on the Family doesn't hold services or have a chapel. They freely share recordings and literature for a suggested donation, but don't share worship.

It's a funny sort of ministry, don't you think?

And there's the rub.